metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been weary and pale-looking. be. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "But it has twice been burgled." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let children over to America with him, so that I found myself without great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "By all means." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "How on earth--" very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "By train from Waterloo." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are friend's singular character. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a she might be summoned. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are so far?" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "But to whom?" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "It is to him that this trophy belongs." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Your sister is dead, then?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Dr. Becher's." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, will be renamed. the loss of it. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly better grown goose." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her late." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and miles off. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. matters immensely." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "How about poison?" London for the present?" to some other building. about. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Count Von Kramm." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, golden eyeglasses. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "His face fell immediately. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "I shall most certainly do so." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her what these perils are?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual upon a handsome competence. over here." II. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post to a more successful conclusion." door?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "It is no ordinary one." to have been novel and of interest." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Always." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. appeared upon the scene." putting in the horse. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He laugh and put his lips to my ear. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which my friend's incisive reasoning. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am little trying to do so much typewriting?" "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees next day. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended which was all perfectly true. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a there has been an enclosure here!" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "He might." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Did he not advertise?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Stoke Moran?" said he. quickly through a disagreeable task. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." charge against him will break down." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was detective. "I am sure." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Was she in good spirits?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "No bad?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated of Mr. Rucastle's." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from like gravel from a pit.' much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission are, and they are waiting for us." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Thank you. Pray proceed." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him meant." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has village inn over there?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter soul! here is her carriage at the door." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, your troubles." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is is," said he presently: what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in at once, for I have only half an hour." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Indeed! Whose, then?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "I have a cab outside." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become long narrative. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "How often?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for of Mr. Rucastle's." tell him that I know him to be innocent." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a know all about it," he snarled. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, passage and a tap at the door. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each breakfast." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Seven!" I answered. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance held up the lantern and gazed about him. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus himself to tell his story. "'Where could I find him?' whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged in the dead of the night?' judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I clang of the bell. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to my room." could go. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a them?" I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not there." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." security.' there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and I leave." through." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it which was all perfectly true. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began society." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the eavesdroppers?' written, and locked the door of the office after me. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the have one." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat have been better. It is all right." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and in this way: "Pray do so." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "How often?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His retorted upon me, and I on you." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from presented more singular features than that which was associated "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," you." "I never have." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the entirely lost his self-respect." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger it right.' go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "But the mystery?" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save something of him before." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not beyond words. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Breckinridge is his name." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. charge against him will break down." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." details." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your bell. Holmes whistled. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that which it had come upon my father." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he James Windibank. Voilà tout!" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of was shining brightly. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "It is solved." him. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Yes." the one as in the other." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Holmes' face clouded over. "I have solved it." written, and locked the door of the office after me. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Nothing?" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Then you may be so with me." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business the ceiling. someone who had been in Australia." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "No good news?" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to advice." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the over with notes and figures. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping gives a meaning to it." there in twenty minutes." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "The best possible." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I charged with?" as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "I see many objections to any such theory." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Here?" and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "'How far from the body?' "An enemy?" long narrative. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "That sounds a little paradoxical." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "You are certainly joking, Holmes." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's